EX-MARINES have collected more than 200 shoeboxes filled with Christmas goodies to send to marines in Afghanistan.

The Royal Mail is providing free postage.

Members of the North Wales Royal Marines Association, families and friends helped to pack the shoeboxes at the King’s Head, Rhuddlan.

David Drysdale, a retired lieutenant colonel who served in the Falklands, said: “It was a tremendous effort. It will show those in Afghanistan that they have great support from people back home.

“In the Falklands we received parcels from home, and they meant so much to us.”

Chairman Alan Logan and his wife Sue, who is secretary, worked hard to ensure the success of the fundraiser.

“The response has been great, a fantastic effort,” she said.

“We never thought we would get so many shoeboxes.”

Among veterans helping out was Eric Borman, 82, of Prestatyn, who served in a landing craft on D-Day.

“We hope this will be a nice surprise for those out in Afghanistan, because they deserve it,” he said. “During World War II it was impossible to do anything like this because of rationing. This will show those in Afghanistan that we’re thinking about them.”

Some of the items packed were of a highly practical nature for those serving in the dust and heat - such as wet wipes, shampoo, soap and lip salve.